The South Australian premier and other politicians have led tributes for three people killed in a light plane crash in the state's Riverland region.
A search party found the plane wreckage around 4km west of the Renmark Aerodrome, north east of Adelaide at 7.10pm on Tuesday.
The premier Jay Weatherill said the crash was "tragic news".
"I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the families of those who have died," he said.
Renwick-born South Australian senator Anne Ruston tweeted the crash was "horrible, horrible news".
"My thoughts & prayers with loved ones who have tragically lost family members tonight in a plane crash in Renmark".
The local Liberal MP for Chaffey Tim Whetstone said the news was devastating.
"My warm, heartfelt feelings go out to the family and friends of those involved," he said.
Charter flight company Rossair confirmed it owned the Cessna Conquest aircraft.
In statement the company said the tragedy was a "profound" loss for the families concerned and all employees.
The spokesman confirmed the plane had earlier departed from Adelaide, and was on a return trip from the Riverland region.
The AAP understands the people on board the flight were not Riverlands locals.
Local media has reported a pilot, an overseer pilot and another person were on board the plane during the training exercises.
An Australian Maritime Safety Authority spokeswoman said the fixed wing aircraft sent out a distress signal shortly after taking off from the aerodrome west of Adelaide about 4:15pm.
"We became aware there might be an issue shortly after take off when a distress signal was detected," she said.
Major Crash investigators were on the scene to assist the Australian Transport Safely Bureau in the investigation.
Around 20 SES members also aided in the search, and more volunteers were requested before the wreckage was discovered.
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